2017 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
With the regular season complete the 2017 NFL Draft is starting to take shape, but there’s still a long way to go.
New general managers and coaches have to be put in place, the playoffs have to be completed to set the rest of the draft order, and more evaluation in the form of the Scouting Combine and pro days needs to take place before all of the fun begins on April 27 in Philadelphia.
On top of that, there will likely be trades and, if last year was any indication, there could be some major ones at the top to shake things up even further.
But mock season won't wait for any of that. Besides, who wants to, anyway? So without further ado, here's the first of what should be many attempts to predict who goes where. Subject to change (a lot), of course.
Note: Picks 1-20 are set based on the completion of the regular season, while Nos. 21-32 will be determined by playoff outcomes.
1. Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M
The Browns have needs everywhere. With the team's instability at the quarterback position, maybe Cleveland goes that way, but the defense is still a far more pressing concern. Adding what most consider the best edge rusher in the class is a safe pick.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Mitch Trubisky, QB, North Carolina
There will be a new general manager and head coach here, so let the guesswork begin as to where exactly the organization would like to go. A splashy quarterback pick might be in store, and Trubisky's name has steadily gained steam over the course of the season.
3. Chicago Bears
Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson
Although Matt Barkley had his moments down the stretch for the Bears, one has to think he isn't likely the long-term solution. Watson has struggled at times with his accuracy, but his overall poise, arm strength and athleticism give him the requisite tools to be successful.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jonathan Allen, DT, Alabama
There are a number of different directions the Jags could go, and while the team could potentially move on from quarterback Blake Bortles, the new head coach might find him worth saving. Allen may have been the best player in college football this year and would be too good to pass up.
5. Tennessee Titans (from Los Angeles)
Mike Williams, WR, Clemson
The Titans have their franchise quarterback and a true identity on offense. Now, Marcus Mariota needs an explosive weapon on the outside. Williams missed the previous season with a neck injury but returned and showed why he is the best receiver in this class.
6. New York Jets
Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU
You could very well see the Jets go with a pass rusher here and someone like Alabama's Tim Williams would make sense if the team went that way. However, despite skipping his bowl game and a nagging ankle injury, Fournette is a game-changer at running back worth taking.
7. San Diego Chargers
Malik Hooker, FS, Ohio State
The Chargers could use another pick on an offensive lineman, but retooling a porous defense should be the priority. The secondary clearly missed the presence of Eric Weddle this season, and Hooker is an elite free safety with a nose for the ball and making game-altering plays.
8. Carolina Panthers
Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State
Cam Newton took a beating this year and the Panthers need to protect their franchise quarterback, so an offensive tackle would be wise. But Cook's stock continues to rise and a game-breaking running back would help the offense get back to its 2015-level effectiveness.
9. Cincinnati Bengals
Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee
A pair of Alabama players -- linebacker Reuben Foster and edge rusher Tim Williams -- might be where the Bengals choose to go here if one is available. Barnett, though, is one of the best edge rushers in a class that is chock-full of good ones and would be an immediate upgrade.
10. Buffalo Bills
Jamal Adams, S, LSU
With a new head coach coming in, you may see the Bills go after a quarterback. But Adams, who may go a little higher depending on how the dominoes fall, is one of the top talents in the draft regardless of position with a versatile skill set that includes an ability to lock down tight ends.
11. New Orleans Saints
Tim Williams, DE/OLB, Alabama
Another year, another season of shootouts in New Orleans with Drew Brees and the offense having to keep pace in games where the defense can't stop anyone. The latter side of the ball will again be the priority in the draft, and Williams can provide help rushing the passer right away.
12. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia)
DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
If the Browns pass on taking a quarterback with the first overall pick, they might be tempted to pick up one here. Kizer had somewhat of an up-and-down season, but head coach Hue Jackson may like his pro-ready frame and tools just enough to take a shot with him.
13. Arizona Cardinals
Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
There's a very good chance that the Cardinals feel like they want to find quarterback Carson Palmer's successor, but the talent gap between one here and a later round isn't huge. A new face at inside linebacker might help, and Foster could come in and provide athletic new blood.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Jabrill Peppers, S, Michigan
If one of the top running backs like Leonard Fournette or Dalvin Cook is still hanging around here, the Colts might be apt to go in that direction. But while a lot of scouts are split on where exactly someone like Peppers fits in, his overall athleticism and versatility would make a strong choice.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (from Minnesota)
Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan
It looks like the Eagles have their franchise quarterback of the future in Carson Wentz, but the amount of weapons at his disposal appears to be lackluster at the moment. Although the team has struck out on recent wide receiver picks, Davis is getting high marks from just about everyone.